Support care (SOS) is defined by the Francophone Association for Oncological Support Care (AFSOS) and the National Cancer Institute (INCa) as “all the care and support necessary for sick people throughout length of illness. They make it possible to support patients and reduce the heavy side effects of anti-cancer treatments.
While palliative care, psychological support, help from social assistance and a nutritionist are offered to 98% of patients and available in 81% of healthcare establishments, only 34% of patients have heard of them, according to the 2nd Barometer of oncological and support care which will be presented at the Transatlantic Congress in Oncology on 20 and November 21.
“However, patients must be accompanied at all stages of their disease, then during their recovery. Supportive care must be discussed very early in the care of the patient, from the announcement consultation, and with their entourage. In the United States, this is called “early palliative care”. But the sick who are cured and who resume a professional life have been able to keep the after-effects of their treatment, and here too supportive care has its place”, explains Dr Florian Scotté, head of the functional unit for oncological support care at the ‘Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris.
The ad consultation: an essential appointment
In the same way, the barometer reveals that “98% of oncologists say that the announcement consultation is offered in their establishment, while only 55% of patients say they have seen it presented, and 49% say they have actually benefited from it. “. Yet the announcement consultation, created during the first Cancer Plan, is compulsory. It is implemented in healthcare establishments and must be offered systematically to patients.
“This difference in perception between doctors and patients on the announcement consultation is probably due to patients’ poor understanding of this term which is offered to them at the shock moment of the announcement of their illness” explains Dr. Florian Scotté.
Cancer in France, the key figures
355,000 new cases of cancer are detected each year, 155,500 in women and 200,000 in men. There are 148,000 annual deaths due to cancer with an estimate of 63,000 for women and 85,000 for men.
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